Zoe's First Birthday

It only happens once: the first birthday of your first child.  For us parents, it was fun and nostalgic.  For Zoe, it was probably like any other day except she had some cake and gnawed on a fat "#1" candle.  For all of us, it was pretty special.

The morning started cool and cloudy outside, with no immediate break in the clouds.  Zoe rose from her crib at about 8am with her usual smile, and Mommy and Daddy greeted her with big smiles and a chorus of happy birthday.  Mostly we received back a quizzical and delightful stare, but a smile and applause for the song.  For the rest of the early morning Zoe helped us prepare for her Yo Gabba Gabba-themed party, starting with checking out her enormous birthday banner with the show's cast.  Her smile told us she approved!  Next it was time to inflate the 1st birthday and Yo Gabba Gabba balloons.  Zoe watched in fascination as Mom attached each balloon one by one to the helium container and filled them up to float.  Zoe grabbed the string on the end of the balloon, tasted it first (of course), then marched around the house with pride shouting, "baabadaaadaaabadaaa!"

Once Zoe's nap time arrived (about 10am), the real work started.  Mom took a brief nap while Dad cleaned the first floor in anticipation of Zoe's guests.  Slated to arrive at about 230 were Yiayia and Papou, Situ and Jidu, Amu James, Aunties Rema and Alia, Uncle Ben (aka White Rice), Theo George, Thea Kelly, Cousin Ryan, Nouno Ernie, Nouna Kathy, Godbrothers George and Niko, Godsister Angelica and Cousin Faisal.  That's a full house for immediate family!  Toys were pushed to the corner, coat closets and shoe cubbies were cleared out, additional trash cans were mobilized.  Mom retrieved the patio furniture from hibernation while Dad overtly wished the sun would come out.

Zoe rose at about noon, but the appetizers still needed attention.  Zoe kindly volunteered to go to the supermarket for the ingredients, so we gave her the car keys and sent her on her way...psych!  Zoe's not allowed to drive, ever :)  We took a trip together to the supermarket to gather hummus, cheese, crackers and fun drinks, and my ham of a daughter impressed everyone at Stop & Shop with her walking, waving and smiling.  By the time we returned home, Yiayia and Papou had arrived and were ready to hang out with the birthday girl.  Zoe greeted them in her party outfit, a cute floral top and bottom that matched her Yo Gabba Gabba cake perfectly.  Dad quickly showered and shaved to get ready for the rest of Zoe's paparazzi, who where set to arrive any minute.

By 2pm, Zoe's greatest fans started rolling in.  Her favorite visitor early on was cousin Ryan, whom she seemed to harass almost immediately.  She didn't take it personally though: Ryan cries when the wind changes direction :) ....



Hey Zozo fans, Zoe here.  Thanks for the first half of the story Dad, but I'll take it from here.  You should stick to your day job: servicing my cute tushie.  Anyway, my birthday was awesome.  It was a lot like every other day of my life, but with extra balloons and my first taste of cake.  By 3pm everyone had arrived and the clouds gave way to a warm sun.  I played catch outside with all of my cousins and chewed on a few flowers (I think I'll leave them to the bees next time).  All this partying wore me out though, and nothing gets between me and a good nap.  While I snoozed, I dreamt about Muno and Brobee and my Yo Gabba Gabba cake made especially for me.  It even had my name on it! 

By the time I woke up it was time to sing to me and cut the cake.  Half of it was chocolate and other half was red velvet.  I don't know what velvet is, but it sure tastes good.  Two bites is enough though, I'm watching my figure. 

Time for presents!  I got a wig and sunglasses, some new toys, books and clothes, and lots of love and attention.  Check me out with blonde hair and elton john shades!  By 8pm it was time to mellow out.  Mom made me a bottle of milk and Dad read me one of my new books.  My favorite books are The Grouchy Ladybug, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? and Peek-A-Boo What?  But these days I'm exploring a little Louisa May Alcott -- I figure I should learn about my people (Little Women). 





Thanks you to everyone for making my day so great!  Thanks again for "Dancey Dance"ing with me, I can't wait for my next birthday! 

Link to Zoe's First Birthday Photos